Tel Aviv, Israel: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel and the United States are looking at “alternative options” to free hostages held in Gaza. The Jerusalem Post says he blamed Hamas directly, saying the militant group was getting in the way of a possible ceasefire deal.
Netanyahu said in a harsh statement, “Hamas is the reason why a deal to free the hostages can’t be reached.” We are now looking at other ways to return our captives home, remove Hamas’s rule of terror, and make sure that Israel and our area have enduring peace. We are doing this with our US partners.
This comment came after Netanyahu had an important meeting with members of the limited security cabinet, which included the defense minister and other high-ranking security officials. The meeting was to talk about the delayed negotiations and the ongoing fighting in Gaza.
Hamas is to blame for the US and Israel
Steve Witkoff, the US Special Envoy, agreed with Netanyahu and said that Hamas was equally at blame for the stalled negotiations. Witkoff said, “The mediators have worked very hard, but Hamas does not seem to be working together or in good faith.” “We will now look into other ways to get the hostages back home and make life better for the people of Gaza.”
The Israeli team that was negotiating had come back from Doha on Thursday morning after more than two weeks of high-stakes meetings in Qatar. The US squad also left for meetings in Washington, which could mean a change in approach.
Donald Trump, the President of the United States, spoke to reporters at the White House about the events, saying, “Hamas didn’t want to make a deal.” Witkoff agreed with this point of view and said, “It’s too bad that Hamas has acted this way.” We are determined to stop this war and bring peace to Gaza for good.
Hardline Positions Come Out During Standoff
The discussions falling apart has also given hardliners in the Israeli government more power. Itamar Ben-Gvir, the Minister of National Security, took a strong stand. He said that all humanitarian aid to Gaza should stop right away and that the Strip should be completely occupied. He said, “This is not a different path; it is the only way to get the hostages safely released and win the war.”
Bezalel Smotrich, the finance minister, also spoke out about what was going on. He said on X, “The humiliating talks with the terrorists are over.” It’s time for full victory.
We don’t know what these “alternative options” are, but both Israeli and US officials have said that they are moving away from the current discussion framework. This puts more pressure on Hamas in the middle of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.